Raised arc rain gutter debris preclusion device

ABSTRACT

A gutter debris preclusion device for use with a gutter attached to a building, comprising a support structure being substantially rigid and having a recess with a plurality of apertures and a plurality of ribs; a screen having a plurality of apertures and being at least partially disposed on the ribs of the support structure; and, wherein a cross-sectional profile of the screen has an arc shape.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/624,671 filed on Sep. 21, 2012, which is a nonprovisional applicationof U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/537,459 filed on Sep. 21, 2011,and this application claims priority to both of the above-identifiedapplications and both applications are incorporated herein by referencein their respective entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to barriers for rain gutters and similarstructures for keeping leaves and other debris out of the rain gutters.More particularly, this invention relates to rain gutter debrispreclusion barriers, which utilize a screen to allow water to pass intothe gutter, but preclude debris from passing through the screen and intothe gutter.

2. Description of Related Art

Prior gutter debris preclusion devices have been effective in preventingdebris from passing through the screen and entering the gutter. Suchdevices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,310,912, (the '912 patent)issued to Robert C. Lenney and John Lewis. U.S. Pat. No. 7,310,912 isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Despite the effectiveness of the devices taught by the '912 patent,there are still areas for enhancement and modification to those devices.The present invention addresses some of these areas for modification,such as in the area of screening out of debris and enhancing thechanneling of the water flow over the screen, as well as installation ofthe device.

Particularly, prior art debris preclusion devices often cannotadequately handle or allow the flow of rainwater coming off the roof ofa house into the gutter. This is often due to the volume and speed ofthe water coming off the roof. When conventional devices cannotadequately handle the water flow, the rainwater undesirably flows overthe gutter guard device and onto the ground rather than being reroutedby the gutter to a down-spout. By creating a device with a raised arcmore of the rain water is channeled through the device.

Conventional debris preclusion devices are generally installed over thetop of existing gutters and gutter supports, which connect and supportthe outside edges of the gutters to a building. Conventional debrispreclusion devices, by being installed over the gutters and guttersupports, disadvantageously add to the overall weight and cost for thegutter system.

Conventional debris preclusion devices are required to be fastened tothe outside gutter edge with fasteners, such as screws, adhesive or thelike. This disadvantageously adds to the overall cost and weight of thegutter system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention overcomes the drawbacks and shortcomings of the prior artconventional devices. These and other features and advantages of thisinvention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detaileddescription of various exemplary embodiments of the devices and methodsaccording to this invention.

The present invention includes a gutter debris preclusion device orgutter guard with a raised arc, which enables more rain water to bechanneled through the device as compared to conventional devices.

Embodiment of the present invention include a plurality of ribs, whichsupport the screen, to define the arc profile. In some exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, the ribs include sharp edgesdisposed adjacent to the screen. The sharp edges are angled toward theroof. The sharp edges basically slice the rainwater away or shear itfrom the screen and create a less obtrusive route for the water to flowthan in a conventional flat rib top design.

The present invention further includes a includes a gutter lip snap-infeature, wherein the lip of the device securely engages the gutter lipeliminating the need for screwing the lip to the gutter. Further when incertain exemplary embodiments, the other end of the device, the tab isfastened to the building and the snap-in feature is included, the needfor conventional gutter support brackets to hold up a gutter iseliminated as the device actually supports the gutter to the building.Traditionally, there is one gutter support bracket for every three feetof gutter for holding up the gutter to the roof. The device of thepresent invention acts as the support bracket for holding up the gutter.The present invention reduces the costs of the gutter system becausetraditional support brackets to connect the gutter to the roof are nolonger needed.

The invention provides a gutter debris preclusion device for use with agutter attached to a building, comprising a support structure beingsubstantially rigid and having a recess with a plurality of aperturesand a plurality of ribs; a screen having a plurality of apertures andbeing at least partially disposed on the ribs of the support structure;and, wherein a cross-sectional profile of the screen has an arc shape.

Still further, the invention provides a gutter debris preclusion device,the arc shape of the screen is centered within the recess of the supportstructure. And yet in other embodiments, the arc shape of the screen isoff center from the center of the recess of the support structure. Otherembodiments of the present invention provide for where at least one ofthe ribs of the device has a top portion, which includes a sharp edgedisposed adjacent to the screen.

The invention provides a gutter guard wherein the recess includes afloor and two opposing side walls, each of the plurality of ribsincludes a top portion having a sharp edge disposed adjacent the screenand a plurality of troughs are defined by the plurality of ribs, thefloor and the two opposing side walls. Still further a gutter guard isprovided wherein the recess of the support structure includes a floor,the support structure includes a lip portion operably configured to restupon a gutter lip of the gutter and the lip includes a drip wall,wherein the drip wall extends from the floor of the support structureinto a main fluid channel of the gutter when the device is in use.

The invention provides a gutter debris preclusion device wherein thesupport structure includes a lip portion operably configured to restupon a gutter lip of the gutter and the lip includes an extended tip,wherein the extended tip extends past the gutter lip of the gutter whenthe device is in use. Still further, the invention provides a gutterdebris preclusion device as recited in claim 1, wherein the buildingincludes a roof having a roof pitch and the arc profile of the screenhas an arc height, and wherein as the roof pitch increases for eachapplication, then the arc height increases for each application.

The invention provides a gutter debris preclusion device wherein therecess includes a floor having a generally arced cross sectionalprofile. Other embodiments of the invention provide a gutter debrispreclusion device wherein the support structure includes a tab operablyconfigured to be attachable to a building. Still further a gutter debrispreclusion device is provided wherein the tab includes a bent portionoperably configured to attach to a fascia of the building and in otherembodiment the device includes a fascia bracket operably configured toattach to a fascia of the building and wherein the tab includes a bentportion operably configured to engage the fascia bracket when in use.

The invention provides a gutter debris preclusion device for use with agutter attached to a building, comprising a support structure beingsubstantially rigid and having a recess with a plurality of aperturesand a plurality of ribs; a screen having a plurality of apertures andbeing at least partially disposed on the ribs of the support structure;and, wherein the support structure includes a connection member operablyconfigured to engage a gutter lip of the gutter without additionalfasteners.

The invention provides a gutter debris preclusion device wherein across-sectional profile of the screen can either be an arc shape in oneembodiment or a non-arced shape, such as planar shaped, in otherembodiments.

The invention provides a gutter debris preclusion device wherein theconnection portion includes a lip portion having a top portion and aconnector member biasedly opposed to one another and wherein the topportion is operably configured to engage a top edge of a gutter lip ofthe gutter and the connector member is operably configured to engage abottom edge of a gutter lip of the gutter when the device is in use.Still further, the connection portion includes a connecting memberoperably configured to engage an end of the gutter lip and a lip portionoperably configured to engage a groove disposed an exterior surface ofthe gutter when the device is in use. Yet in other embodiments, thedevices includes a clip operably configured to be disposable within thegutter lip and wherein the connection portion engages the clip when inuse. Still further in other embodiments, the support structure isattached to the gutter lip and to the building.

These and other features and advantages of this invention are describedin, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of variousexemplary embodiments of the devices and methods according to thisinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiment of this invention will be described indetail, with reference to the following figures, wherein;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gutter debris preclusion deviceinstalled on a gutter of a house made in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a channel of a prior art gutterdebris preclusion device;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the gutter debris preclusiondevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the gutter debris preclusiondevice of FIG. 1 shown in use with a building having a gutter;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the gutter debris preclusiondevice of FIG. 1 illustrating differences with a prior art device;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the gutter debris preclusiondevice of FIG. 1 shown in use with a building having a gutterillustrating differences with a prior art device;

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the gutter debris preclusiondevice of FIG. 1 shown in use with a building having a gutterillustrating arc profiles relative to roof angles;

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of agutter debris preclusion device made in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the gutter debris preclusiondevice of FIG. 8 shown in use with a building having a gutter;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of yet another alternativeembodiment of a gutter debris preclusion device made in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the gutter debris preclusiondevice of FIG. 10 shown in use with a building having a gutter;

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of another alternative embodimentof a gutter debris preclusion device made in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the gutter debris preclusiondevice of FIG. 12 shown in use with a building having a gutter;

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of yet another alternativeembodiment of a gutter debris preclusion device made in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the gutter debris preclusiondevice of FIG. 14 shown in use with a building having a gutter;

FIG. 16 is a partial side cross-sectional view of another alternativeembodiment of a gutter debris preclusion device made in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 17 is a partial side cross-sectional view of another alternativeembodiment of a gutter debris preclusion device made in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of yet another alternativeembodiment of a gutter debris preclusion device made in accordance withthe present invention; and,

FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of yet another alternativeembodiment of a gutter debris preclusion device made in accordance withthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals representlike parts throughout the various drawing figures, FIG. 1 displays apartial perspective view of a debris preclusion device or gutter guard10, made in accordance with the present invention. The device 10 isshown in use on a gutter G attached to a building B.

FIG. 2 displays a cross-section portion of a prior art debris preclusiondevice. Particularly it displays a channel 1330 of a debris preclusiondevice from the '912 patent. The channel 1330 is designed to support ascreen, not shown. The channel 1330 includes a tab 1340 at an upper end.The channel 1330 includes a recess 1350 having a floor 1356. The channelincludes a tab slot 1346 adjacent to the tab 1340. At an opposing end tothe upper end, the channel includes a lip 1370 and a lip slot 1376. Theopposing ends of the screen, not shown, is operably configured to engagethe slots 1346 and 1376. A series of ribs 1360 extend up from the floor1356 to support the screen, not shown. The tops of the ribs generallylie within the same plane 1337, which is also the same plane as thebottom of the slots 1346 and 1376. This design is considered to be aflat support profile design.

FIGS. 1, and 3-6 display the debris preclusion device 10, made inaccordance with the present invention. The device 10 includes a screen20 and a screen support member or channel 30. In general, thisembodiment includes features to improve the overall effectiveness ofscreening out debris and increasing fluid flow into the gutter. Further,the present invention, as shown in this embodiment primarily differsfrom the original flat support design of the channel of conventionaldevices and that of the '912 patent, in that the channel 30 includes anarced support profile 12 for the screen 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-6and described below. The arced support profile 12 aligns with theprofile of the screen 20.

Water traveling off of shingles S upon the roof R pass onto the screen20 of the device 10. The channel 30 supports the screen 20 in positionwhile also drawing the water through the screen 20 and into the recess50 for further delivery down into the rain gutter G. Any debris fallingoff of the shingles S and onto the screen 20 of the device 10 eitherremain upon the device 10 or fall off of the screen 20 and away from thegutter G so that the gutter G can remain free of debris and functioningproperly.

The screen 20 precludes debris, such as leaves, twigs and smaller orlarger debris, from passing into the gutter G while allowing the waterto pass into the gutter G. The channel 30 is provided to support thescreen 20 in a desired position and orientation. The channel 30 alsofunctions to draw the water through the screen 20 by capillary action sothat the water desirably passes into the gutter G.

The screen 20 includes a lower edge 22 parallel with and spaced from anupper edge 24. The edges 22, 24 are spaced apart by a distance similarto a width of an opening of the gutter G. The screen 20 includes sideedges 26 extending between the lower edge 22 and upper edge 24 at endsof sections of the device 10. Typically the barrier 10 is provided inseparate sections for convenience in covering rain gutters G of variousdifferent lengths.

The screen 20 can be any form of fenestrated structure capable ofallowing water to pass therethrough but blocking debris from passingtherethrough. The screen 20 is preferably formed of a flexible materialwith uniformly sized fenestrations. Most particularly, this screen 20 isformed of stainless steel woven wire with the fenestrations in thescreen 20 sized to provide approximately 8,000 holes per square inch. Itshould be appreciated that materials other than stainless steel can beutilized. With such small fenestrations, twigs, sand and leaf stems areprecluded from sticking in the fenestrations, and practically all debrisharmful to the proper functioning of the gutter G is precluded frompassing therethrough. It should be appreciated that the wire can have asfew as 196 holes and as many as 8,200 holes per square inch. In certainareas on the roof, such as the valleys where there is a great volume ofrainwater flow, then fewer holes are recommended because they allow morerainwater to pass through at higher volumes. However, in other areaswhere rainwater does not come down in high volumes off the roof, such ason straight runs, then a higher amount of holes can be more appropriate,like the 8,000 per square inch. The advantage of having a higher amountof holes per square inch, like the 8,000, is that it can keep smallerdebris out of the gutter, such as pollen, or very very fine roof sandgrit particles.

The channel 30 includes a tab 40 at an upper end. The tab 40, in thisembodiment, preferably fits directly between the shingles S and the feltor other vapor barrier upon the roof R, so that an upper side of thechannel 30 is supported in the desired position overlying the gutter G.For convenience, the roof R is considered to include all portions of thecovering of a building except for the shingles S. The shingles S areconsidered to include the uppermost layer of material, and can be“composite” shingles, tile, wood shake, slate, stone, or any otherroofing material available to provide the uppermost layer. A recess 50defines a portion of the channel 30 adjacent the tab 40. The recess 50includes a floor 56 defining a lowermost portion of the channel 30. Aseries of ribs 60 extend up from the floor 56 of the recess 50 tosupport the screen 20 in a desired position and an arced profile abovethe floor 56 of the recess 50. A lip 70 defines an edge of the channel30 opposite the tab 40. The lip 70 is adapted to be secured to a portionof the gutter G most distant from the roof R, such as with a screw 34 orother fastener.

The channel 30 provides a rigid underlying structure for supporting thescreen 20 where desired over the gutter G, and for encouraging watermigration through the screen 20 by capillary action. The channel 30 alsoprovides for mounting of the device 10 upon the gutter G and roof R.Particularly, mounting holes 32 are preferably provided along a forwardedge of the channel 30. The screws 34, such as sheet metal screws, canpass through the mounting holes 32 and be threaded into a portion of thegutter G distant from the roof R. The device 10 is thus securely held inposition over the gutter G.

The channel 30 is preferably shaped to have a constant cross-sectionalform, as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, the channel 30 is formed of rigiddie extruded aluminum or other metals and materials.

The tab 40 secures a portion of the channel 30 opposite where themounting holes 32 and screws 34 are utilized to fasten to the gutter G.Particularly, the tab 40 is adapted to fit between the roof R andshingles S to secure one side of the channel 30. Between the tab 40 andthe screws 34, the device 10 is securely held in place over the gutterG.

The tab 40 includes a tip 42 which defines a portion of the channel 30most distant from the mounting holes 32. The tip 42 also defines a widthof the tab 40. Preferably, this tab 40 width is sufficient to cause thetab 40 to be securely held just beneath the shingles S. Typically, thisdistance is at least one centimeter and most preferably two to threecentimeters. The tab 40 includes notches in surfaces thereof, not shown,to increase the ability of the tab 40 to be shortened, if the tab 40 isexcessively wide.

The tab 40 is shown extending parallel with the floor 56 of the channel30 generally. If a particularly steeply pitched roof is provided, it isconceivable that the tab 40 could be bent so that it is oriented in aplane distinct from other portions of the channel 30. Alternatively, thetab 40 can be shortened or entirely removed to accommodate steeplypitched roofs.

The tab 40 includes a tab slot 46 for supporting the upper edge 24 ofthe screen 20. The tab slot 46 is closed on three sides, with one openside in the tab slot 46. The open side of the tab slot 46 faces a lipslot 76 adapted to hold the lower edge 22 of the screen 20. An uppershelf 48 defines one side of the tab slot 46 below the tab slot 46,which extends further than other portions of the slot 46. This uppershelf 48 supports a portion of the screen 20, and discourages bucklingof the screen 20 in a downward fashion when loaded with debris orotherwise encountering forces, which would tend to drive the screen 20downward.

The recess 50 defines a portion of the channel 30 extending between thetab 40 and the lip 70. The upper plane can generally be defined asincluding the tab slot 46 and the lip slot 76. The recess 50 includes anupper wall 52 and a lower wall 54 on opposite sides of the recess 50.

The floor 56 extends between lower portions of the walls 52 and 54. Thefloor 56 includes a plurality of apertures 58 passing there through.These apertures 58 are preferably elongate with a significantly greaterlength than width and with a length thereof extending parallel with along axis of the channel 30. The floor 56 is broken up into a pluralityof troughs 57 between adjacent ribs 60. Each of the troughs 57preferably include a plurality of the apertures 58 therein. Preferably,the apertures 58 are closer to a rib 60 on a lower side of each trough57 than a rib 60 on an upper side of each trough 57. Because the entirelower plane and upper plane are tilted such that the tab 40 is elevatedabove the lip 70, locating of the apertures 58 closer to the ribs 60 onthe lower side of the trough 57 decreases the possibility of puddling ofwater within the troughs 57.

The apertures 58 are sufficiently large so that no degree of surfacetension in the water can tend to cause a film to span the apertures 58which might otherwise preclude water migration through the apertures 58.Thus, once water is within the troughs 57 and adjacent the floor 56, thewater quickly passes through the apertures 58 to drip off of the lowersurface of the recess 50 of the channel 30.

The plurality of ribs 60 extend up from the floor 56 of the recess 50,with the ribs 60 extending from the lower plane 38 up to the upper plane36. Each of the ribs 60 includes a free end 62 and a base end 64. Thebase end 64 is connected to the floor 56. Each of the ribs 60 preferablyinclude sides 66, which are planar from the base end 64 up to the freeend 62.

The free end 62 is operably configured to support the screen 20 over therecess 50 and the channel 30. Not only do the ribs 60 support thescreen, but the ribs 60 also provide a wetted path between the screen 20and the floor 56 so that capillary action can draw water from the uppersurface of the screen 20, down through the fenestrations in the screen20 to the surfaces of the ribs 60 and then on down to the floor 56 wherethe water can pass through the apertures 56 and fall down off of therecess 50 of the channel 30 and into the gutter G. Preferably, the ribs60 are each of a similar width. In this exemplary embodiment, the ribs60 extend perpendicularly from the floor 56. It should be appreciatedthat in other exemplary embodiments, the ribs extend in anon-perpendicular manner from the floor.

The lower wall or floor 56 of the recess 50 transitions into the lip 70of the channel 30. The lip 70 supports the mounting holes 32 and screws34 for securing the channel 30 to the gutter G. The lip 70 extends to atip 72 defining a portion of the channel 30 most distant from the tab40. The lip slot 76 is a mirror image of the tab slot 46 and is locatedwithin the upper plane 36 facing the tab slot 46. A lower shelf 78extends between the lip slot 76 and the lower wall 54 of the recess 50.The lower shelf 78 further supports a portion of the screen 20 adjacentthe lip slot 76 to discourage the screen 20 from being deflecteddownward into the recess 50.

The slots 46, 76 preferably have sufficient depth so that the lower edge22 and upper edge 24 of the screen 20 can be securely held within theslots 46, 76 without requiring fastening of the screen 20 within theslots 46, 76. A sealant or other adhesive is preferably used to furthersecure the screen 20 within the slots 46, 76. Alternatively, the screen20 can be fastened within the slots 46, 76 or otherwise fastened to thechannel 30, such as through adhesive, fasteners, welding, brazing,pressing, or crimping the slots 46, 76 closed onto the screen 20 orother coupling techniques. It is preferred that the screen overlap eachsection (or length) of the device by a desired amount, such as 0.5 inch.Further, it is preferred that during manufacturing the overlappingscreen will be bent down on both sides. In this manner, when a sectionof the device is installed next to another section of the device, theedges butt up against one another to form a smooth seam.

In use and operation the device 10 is installed upon the gutter G.Particularly, lengths of the device 10 are placed over the gutter G withthe lip 70 resting upon a forward edge of the gutter G. Screws 34 orother fasteners are utilized to secure the lip 70 to the gutter G.Before the screws 34 are utilized, the tab 40 is slid between theshingles S and the roof R. If necessary, the tab 40 can be removed toaccommodate a steeply pitched roof R and then transition to allow theremaining portions of the channel 30 to extend over the gutter G to thelip 70 where the lip 70 supports the screw 34 for fastening of thechannel 30 to the gutter G.

At ends of the gutter G, excess portions of the barrier 10 can be cututilizing a saw for cutting of the aluminum and scissors or othercutting tools for cutting of the material forming the screen 20. Whereoutside corners are encountered in the gutter G, the channel 30 can becut at a 45-degree angle. At inside corners, most preferably the screen20 is replaced with a screen having larger fenestrations. Mostpreferably, such an alternative screen would have no less than fourteen(14) fenestrations per inch in each direction (preferably 256 per squareinch). In this way, the greater concentration of debris tending togather at inside corners will not block the screen 20. Alternatively,other forms of joints can be utilized to position the device 10 wheredesired at inside and outside corners over corresponding bends in thegutter G.

The device 10 includes features to create a raised arc profile, as shownin FIGS. 1, and 3-6. The screen 20 is correspondingly arced tosubstantially match the raised arc shape of the channel 30. This arcedprofile is significantly different than the planar profile ofconventional devices.

FIGS. 5-6 show partial cross-sectional views. FIG. 5 shows just thechannel 30 and FIG. 6 shows just device 10 with the channel 30 and thescreen 20 in use on a gutter G disposed on a building B. For clarity ofillustrating the differences between the flat profile design of the '912patent and the device 10 of the present embodiment, the portions of: theribs 60; the slots 46 and 76; the tip 72 of the lip 70; and, the floor56, are shown without cross-hatching. These non cross-hatched areasidentify the channel structural differences between an embodiment of thepresent invention and the flat profile design.

The ribs 60 of the present invention are shaped, relative to oneanother, so as to form a generally arc shape from the side view as shownin FIG. 5. The arc shape create a raised arc profile 12 for the screen20 to rest upon as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the slots 46 and 76 arealso preferably slightly angled to engage the screen, as shown in FIGS.3-4 and 6. Each of the ribs 60 (or walls) has a height relative to thefloor of the channel, namely the dimensions h1, h2, h3, h4 and h5. Theheight of the ribs increases relative to each other from the outsides ofthe channel to the center, so as to create an arc profile shape for thescreen to rest upon. The dimension h3 is greater than h2, and h2 isgreater than h1. In this embodiment h2 equals h4 and h1 equals h5. Thearc profile shape has a max height 68, which is the dimension h3. It ispreferred that the max height 68 be located at a rib disposed in thecenter of the recess 50. It should be appreciated however that the maxheight, could in other exemplary embodiments be located at a differentrib. It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments h2does not have to equal h4. It should be appreciated that in otherexemplary embodiments h1 does not have to equal h5. It should beappreciated that in other exemplary embodiments h3 does not have to bethe largest dimension for the rib heights.

Further, it is preferred that at least one of the ribs includes anangled top portion. The top portion 62 of the rib 60 includes a sharpedge 63. The sharp edge 63 is angled toward the roof. When rainwaterflows down the roof and passes through the screen, the rain wateradheres to the screen and does not immediately fall down into thegutter. The rainwater droplets touch the acute angle of the sharp edge63 of the top portion 62 of the rib 60 and the rainwater falls down thechannel wall more efficiently, faster and with less hindrance as opposedto a flat wall. The ribs 60 included with an angled top portionbasically slice the rainwater away or shear it from the mesh and createa less obtrusive route for the water to flow than in a conventional flatrib top design. When the rainwater siphons underneath the mesh, itdoesn't just drop in the gutter, it clings to the underside of the mesh,and travels towards the first rib. The sharp edge 63 helps scrape thisrainwater from the underside of the mesh, and more efficiently pulls therainwater down through the fenestrations in the screen 20 to thesurfaces of the ribs 60 and then on down to the floor 56 where the watercan pass through the apertures 56 and fall down off of the recess 50 ofthe channel 30 and into the gutter G. This is in stark contrast toconventional devices that have ribs with squared-off top portions.

Further it is preferred that the channel 30 include at least five ribs60 that include the sharp edges 63. Having the successive ribs with thesharp edges will act upon the water flowing over the device from theroof in manner like successive blades, with each blade in seriesshearing more and more of the water from the flow. The successive sharpedges of the present invention is especially helpful in situations withhigh volumes of water coming off the roof.

The ribs 60 are preferably each of a similar width. In this exemplaryembodiment, the ribs 60 extend perpendicularly from the floor 56. Itshould be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, the ribsextend in a non-perpendicular manner from the floor. For each trough 57defined by ribs 60 having the sharp edges 63, the amount of rainfallthat can be drawn into the gutter increases significantly.

For purposes of illustration some rainwater drainage rate comparisonsbetween the ribs with sharp edges made in accordance with the presentinvention and conventional devices having ribs with either rounded orsquared off top portions. Some of the dimensional properties used forthe comparisons are as follow: apertures in bottom of recess is 0.75square inches in the shape of an oblong hole with rounded or squareedges on the ends, with the in-between widths of the oblong holes beingeither narrowed in the middle, or increase in girth), spaced a minimumdistance of 1 inch, not more than 1.5 inches apart on the bottom of thetroughs; and in addition to this, the trough size has a minimum widthdistance of 0.375 inches. With these dimensional proportions, but incombination with the sharp edges as described above, the followingresults are observed for an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention:

Device with one (1) trough can draw down up to 20 inches of hourlyrainfall;

Device with two (2) troughs can draw down up to 40 inches of hourlyrainfall;

Device with three (3) troughs can draw down up to 60 inches of hourlyrainfall;

Device with four (4) troughs can draw down up to 80 inches of hourlyrainfall;

Device with five (5) troughs can draw down up to 100 inches of hourlyrainfall; and,

Device with six (6) troughs can draw down up to 120 inches of hourlyrainfall.

For a conventional device with the same dimensional proportions, butwith conventional squared off top for the ribs, the following resultsare observed:

Conventional device with one (1) trough can draw down up to 17 inches ofhourly rainfall;

Conventional device with two (2) troughs can draw down up to 34 inchesof hourly rainfall;

Conventional device with three (3) troughs can draw down up to 51 inchesof hourly rainfall;

Conventional device with four (4) troughs can draw down up to 68 inchesof hourly rainfall;

Conventional device with five (5) troughs can draw down up to 85 inchesof hourly rainfall; and,

Conventional device with six (6) troughs can draw down up to 102 inchesof hourly rainfall.

For a comparison with another conventional device having the samedimensional proportions, but with conventional rounded off top portionsfor the ribs, the following results are observed:

Conventional device with one (1) trough can draw down up to 15 inches ofhourly rainfall;

Conventional device with two (2) troughs can draw down up to 30 inchesof hourly rainfall;

Conventional device with three (3) troughs can draw down up to 45 inchesof hourly rainfall;

Conventional device with four (4) troughs can draw down up to 60 inchesof hourly rainfall;

Conventional device with five (5) troughs can draw down up to 75 inchesof hourly rainfall; and,

Conventional device with six (6) troughs can draw down up to 90 inchesof hourly rainfall.

These practical results comparing conventional designs to the topportions of the ribs of the present invention reveal the advantages ofthe sharp edges of the present invention.

The tip 72 of the lip 70 extends further over and past the front edge ofthe gutter G. The tip 72 also includes a profile that is angled downtoward the ground relative to the gutter G. This over extension andangle further enhances the debris preclusion and allows any excess waterto flow off the device. Further, the extended tip helps prevent iciclesfrom forming at the bottom of the gutter during freezing temperatures.Even further, the extended tip can provide a location to attachdecorations and holiday lights. It should be appreciated that in otherexemplary embodiments, the tip does not extend past the gutter.

The floor 56 includes a drip wall 59. The drip wall 59 is disposed onthe bottom side of the channel 30. The drip wall 59 extends from thebottom of the floor 56 into the gutter G. The drip wall 59 is disposedadjacent to the lip 70. In this configuration the drip wall 59 assistswith directing water into the gutter. It should be appreciated that thedrip wall in other embodiments can have different lengths than in thepresent embodiment. It should also be appreciated that the drip wall inother exemplary embodiments is disposed at other locations under thelip. It should also be appreciated that in other exemplary embodimentsof the present invention the drip wall is optional.

It should be appreciated that the ribs 60 of the channel 30 in thedevice 10 can be manufactured to different dimensions. The ribs 60 canbe manufactured to provide a desired arc profile. When manufacturing thechannel, it should be appreciated that different shaped arcs are desiredfor differing applications, namely for roofs having different pitches.FIG. 7 illustrates a preferred height of an arc profile to roof angle orroof pitch ratios. In general, it is preferred that the height of thearc increases as the pitch of the roof increases.

FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary arc profiles 12, 112 and 212. These arcprofiles are super-imposed to show how one can manufacture device 10 andthe ribs 60 thereof to create varying arc profiles. The roof R includesa roof angle RA10. The arc height and the corresponding arc profile arebased on a series of ratios that are determined by the roof angle. Thearc profile is to assist in slowing down the rainwater when it slidesdown the roof and hits the area 21 of the screen 20 closest to the roofR. As the height of the arc is increased the greater the impact on theslowing down of the rainwater coming off the roof. When the rainwater isslowed down, there is less of a chance of rainwater traveling off theedge of the device 10 due to excessive speed of the rainwater. The speedof the rainwater coming off the roof is dictated by the amount ofrainfall occurring, but also upon the roof angle RA10. As the roof angle(or pitch) RA10 increases to RA110 and RA210, the velocity of therainwater coming off the roof increases. The steeper the roof, then thefaster the water will come off the roof.

When the roof R has a low pitched angle, such as RA10, an arc height of68 with an arc profile of 12 is preferred. When the roof R has a mediumpitched angle, such as RA 110, an arc height of 168 with an arc profileof 112 is preferred. When the roof R has a steep angle, such as RA 210,an arc height of 268 with an arc profile of 212 is preferred. A lowpitched roof angle, such as RA 10 is preferably about a 3/12 roof pitch,wherein the roof rises 3 inches for every 12 inches of horizontallength. With a low pitched roof angle, the arc height 68 is preferred tobe 2 times the dimension 61. The dimension 61 is the height or depth ofthe recess 50 from the lip 70 to the floor 56. The dimension 61 can alsobe considered to be the height of the ribs if the arc profile was a flatprofile as in conventional devices such as in the '912 patent. A mediumpitched roof angle, such as RA 110 is preferably about a 6/12 roofpitch. With a medium pitched roof angle, the arc height 168 is preferredto be 2.5 times the dimension 61. A steeped pitched roof angle, such asRA 210 is preferably about a 12/12 roof pitch. With a steep pitched roofangle, the arc height 268 is preferred to be 2.75 times the dimension61.

FIGS. 8-9 display a debris preclusion device 310, which is analternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device310 includes a screen 320 and a screen support member or channel 330 andis in general identical to the device 10 described above with regards toall of the features except as noted and shown. A difference between thisdevice 310 and the device 10 is that this device is operably configuredto be for an upward fascia mount installation. The channel 330 includesa tab 340 and the tab 340 bends up toward the roof shingle. This allowsthe gutter guard to be screwed to the back of the fascia F or the roofdeck. Another difference between the device 310 and the device 10 isthat the channel 330 includes a floor 356 that has a generally arcedshaped profile 331, rather than flat as the floor 56 of the channel 30.The arced profile 331 matches, in shape (i.e. radius) an arc profile 312created by a plurality of ribs 360 for the screen 320 to rest upon. Thearc shaped bottom increases the overall strength and stability of thedevice 310.

FIGS. 10-11 display a debris preclusion device 410, which is analternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device410 is identical to the device 10 described above except as noted andshown. The device 410 includes a screen 420 and channel 430 along withall of the other features of device 10. A difference between the device10 and the device 410 is that the device 410 is operably configured tobe for a downward fascia mount installation. The channel 430 includes atab 440. The tab 440 has a portion 445 that is bent downward such thatis at least perpendicular to the plane of the rest of the tab 440. Thedevice 410 further includes a mounting bracket 441, which is fastened tothe back of the gutter with screws 434. The profile of the bracket 441forms the shape of a z such that a receiving pocket 443 is formedbetween the bracket 441 and the back of the gutter. The portion 445 ofthe tab 440 is operably configured to engage the receiving pocket 443when in use. In this manner, the device 410 is supported by the bracket441. The fascia mount bracket 441 is installed prior to the installationof the debris preclusion or gutter guard device 410.

FIGS. 12-19 display various alternate embodiments of the lip member ofthe screen support member of debris preclusion devices made inaccordance with the present invention. In these embodiments, the lipincludes a snap-in feature, wherein the lip securely engages the guttereliminating the need for conventional gutter support brackets to hold upa gutter. The snap-in feature also eliminates the need for screwing thelip to the gutter. Traditionally, there is one gutter support bracketfor every three feet of gutter for holding up the gutter to the roof.The device of the present invention acts as the support bracket forholding up the gutter. The lips of the channels of the devices of theseexemplary embodiments include a connector member that connects to thegutter. This connector member includes a bottom-flange that inconnection with the lip of the channel engage a gutter lip GL or in someembodiments a clip attached to the gutter lip GL. Debris preclusiondevices with a connecting member as made in accordance with the presentinvention reduce the costs of the gutter system because traditionalsupport brackets that connect the gutter to the roof are no longerneeded. The debris preclusion device will be fastened directly to thegutter via the connector member. It should be appreciated that thissnap-in feature can also be utilized with a conventional flat profiledesign for the channel as described in the '912 patent and the like, asshown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIGS. 12 and 13 display a debris preclusion device 510, which is analternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device510 is identical to the device 310 described above except as noted andshown. The device 510 includes a screen 520, a screen support member orchannel 530 and an arc profile 522. The channel 530 includes a tab 540operably configured for an upward fascia mount installation. Adifference between this device 510 and the device 10 is that the lip 570in this embodiment includes a connector member or bottom flange 574. Theconnecting member 574 is disposed adjacent to a floor 556 of the channel530. The connection member primarily extends away from the floor 556 andthe rest of the lip 570 and into the gutter G. It is preferred that theconnecting member be integral with the floor 556. The connecting member574 is operably configured to be disposed adjacent to a gutter lip GL ofthe gutter G when in use. The gutter lip GL includes a gutter lip endportion GL2. The connecting member 574 includes an end portion 576. Theend portion 576 is aligned in a different linear direction than theother portion of connecting member 574. Particularly, the end portion576 extends in a direction toward the top of the lip 570. The endportion 576 is operably configured to be disposed about the gutter lipend portion GL2 when in use. The end portion 576 is the portion of theconnecting member 574 that is bent in so as to be able to engage thegutter lip end portion GL2 when in use. This arrangement creates asnap-in connection engagement between the device 510 and the gutter lipGL, with the lip 570 engaging a top portion of the gutter lip GL and theconnecting member 574 engaging a bottom portion of the gutter lip GL. Itwill be appreciated that the structural arrangements of the lip 570 andconnecting member 574 may change in shape depending upon the gutter lipGL being utilized with the lip 570 engaging the top of the gutter lip GLand the connecting member 574 engaging a bottom portion of the gutterlip GL. Another difference between the device 510 and the device 310 isthat the floor 556 has a flat or planar profile 531 like the floor 56 ofthe device 10 as opposed to an arc profile floor as in the device 310.

FIGS. 14 and 15 display a debris preclusion device 610, which is analternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device610 is identical to the device 510 described above except as noted andshown. The device 610 includes a screen 620 and a screen support memberor channel 630. A difference between this device 610 and the device 510is that the connecting member 674, which is identical to the connectingmember 574, is used on a channel 630 that has ribs 660 that create aflat screen support profile 622 as opposed to an arced profile likeprofile 522. It should be appreciated that since device 610 does notscrew into building, it cannot be used to replace gutter support membersfor attaching the gutters to the building.

FIG. 16 displays a portion of a debris preclusion device 710, which isan alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device710 is identical to the device 510 described above except as noted andshown. The device 710 includes a screen 720 and a screen support memberor channel 730. A difference between this device 710 and the device 510is that the device 710 includes a connecting member 774 that is operableconfigured to engage a clip 778. The clip 778 preferably has a generallyu-shaped profile with a top portion 777 at one end of the u shape and abottom portion 779 at the other end of the u shape. The clip 778 issnapped into the gutter lip GL of the gutter G. The top portion 777 ofthe clip is operably configured to be disposed in the gutter lip GL tosecure the clip to the gutter G. The connecting member 774 includes anend portion 776 that is operably configured to engage the bottom portion779 when in use. The clip is preferably made of galvanized spring steeland is made up in sections. The clips are preferably sections preferably1 foot long and disposed about every 5 feet within the gutter lip. Itshould be appreciated that other shapes other than a u shape can beutilized in other exemplary embodiments for the shape of the clip. Itshould be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments made inaccordance with the present invention, clips can be manufactured toaccommodate different types of gutter lips. Further, the clips can rangein lengths as short as one inch, or they can be much longer such as20-foot sections.

FIG. 17 displays a portion of a debris preclusion device 810, which isan alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device810 is identical to the device 510 described above except as noted andshown. The device 810 includes a screen 820 and a screen support memberor channel 830. The difference between this device 810 and the device510 is that the snap-in feature is achieved by having a special rollformed gutter lip GL that includes a groove GL4. The lip 870 includes aconnecting member 874. Connecting member 874 engages an end of thegutter lip when in use. The lip 870 further includes a leg 875 disposedat the tip 872 of the lip 870. The leg 875 extends down from the top ofthe lip 870. The leg 875 is operably configured to engage in the grooveGL4 when in use.

FIG. 18 displays a portion of a debris preclusion device 910, which isan alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device910 is identical to the device 510 described above except as noted andshown. The device 910 includes a screen 920 and a screen support memberor channel 930 having a tab 940. A difference between the device 910 andthe device 510 is that the device 910 is configured such thatconventional gutter support members that are traditionally installed ina spaced apart relationship to hold up the gutter to the building B arenot required. Particularly, the tab 940 includes upward and downwardwall portions 941 and 943. Defined between the upward and downward wallportions is a slot 945. The gutter G includes an upper back edge G30.The slot is operably configured to rest upon the upper back edge G30 ofthe gutter G, when in use. Fasteners 934 are inserted through the wallportion 941, the gutter edge G30 and the wall portion 943 and into thebuilding B. Only one fastener is shown for illustration purposes. Itshould be appreciated that along the length of the device additionalfasteners, such as screws, will be utilized when the device is in use.

Another difference between the device 910 and the device 510 is that thearc profile 912 is not centered about a recess 950 of the channel 930.The max height of the arc profile 912 is off center from the center ofthe recess 950 as shown in FIG. 18. The max height of the arc profile912 corresponds with the rib 963 rather than the center rib 960. Thebump (max height of the arc profile) created by the ribs is not in thecenter of the recess 950. Rather the bump is disposed closer to the tab940 side of the channel 930.

FIG. 19 displays a portion of a debris preclusion device 1010, which isan alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device1010 is identical to the device 510 described above except as noted andshown. The device 1010 includes a screen 1020 and a screen supportmember or channel 1030. A difference between the device 1010 and thedevice 510 is that the device 910 is configured such that conventionalgutter support members that are traditionally installed in a spacedapart relationship to hold up the gutter to the building B are notrequired. Particularly, the tab 1040 includes upward portion 1041. Thegutter G includes an upper back edge G30. Fasteners 1034 are insertedthrough the portion 1041, the gutter edge G30 and into the building B.Only one fastener is shown for illustration purposes. It should beappreciated that along the length of the device additional fasteners,such as screws, will be utilized when the device is in use.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specificembodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as setforth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Variouschanges and combinations thereof may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of this invention. It should be apparent that variousdifferent modifications can be made to the exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein without departing from the scope and spirit of thisinvention disclosure. When structures are identified as a means toperform a function, the identification is intended to include allstructures, which can perform the function specified.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gutter debris preclusion device for use with agutter attached to a building, comprising: a support structure beingsubstantially rigid and having a recess with a plurality of aperturesand a plurality of ribs; a screen having a plurality of apertures andbeing at least partially disposed on the ribs of the support structure;and, wherein a cross-sectional profile of the screen has an arc shape.2. A gutter debris preclusion device as recited in claim 1, wherein, thearc shape of the screen is centered within the recess of the supportstructure.
 3. A gutter debris preclusion device as recited in claim 1,wherein the arc shape of the screen is off center from a center of therecess of the support structure.
 4. A gutter debris preclusion device asrecited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of ribs has atop portion, the screen is disposed on the top portion, and the topportion includes a sharp edge disposed adjacent to the screen.
 5. Agutter debris preclusion device as recited in claim 1, wherein therecess includes a floor and two opposing side walls, each of theplurality of ribs includes a top portion having a sharp edge disposedadjacent the screen and a plurality of troughs are defined by theplurality of ribs, the floor and the two opposing side walls.
 6. Agutter debris preclusion device as recited in claim 1, wherein therecess of the support structure includes a floor, the support structureincludes a lip portion operably configured to rest upon a gutter lip ofthe gutter and the lip includes a drip wall, wherein the drip wallextends from the floor of the support structure into a main fluidchannel of the gutter when the device is in use.
 7. A gutter debrispreclusion device as recited in claim 1, wherein the support structureincludes a lip portion operably configured to rest upon a gutter lip ofthe gutter and the lip includes an extended tip, wherein the extendedtip extends past the gutter lip of the gutter when the device is in use.8. A gutter debris preclusion device as recited in claim 1, wherein thearc profile of the screen has an arc height, wherein the height of thearc profile increases in relation to a roof pitch of the building towhich the device will be attached.
 9. A gutter debris preclusion deviceas recited in claim 1, wherein the recess includes a floor having agenerally arced cross sectional profile.
 10. A gutter debris preclusiondevice, as recited in claim 1 wherein the support structure includes atab operably configured to be attachable to the building.
 11. A gutterdebris preclusion device as recited in claim 10, wherein the tabincludes a bent portion operably configured to attach to a fascia of thebuilding.
 12. A gutter debris preclusion device as recited in claim 10,further comprising a fascia bracket operably configured to attach to afascia of the building and wherein the tab includes a bent portionoperably configured to engage the fascia bracket when in use.
 13. Agutter debris preclusion device for use with a gutter attached to abuilding, comprising: a support structure being substantially rigid andhaving a recess with a plurality of apertures and a plurality of ribs; ascreen having a plurality of apertures and being at least partiallydisposed on the ribs of the support structure; and, wherein the supportstructure includes a connection member operably configured to engage agutter lip of the gutter without additional fasteners.
 14. A gutterdebris preclusion device as recited in claim 13, wherein across-sectional profile of the screen has an arc shape.
 15. A gutterdebris preclusion device as recited in claim 13, wherein across-sectional profile of the screen has a planar shape.
 16. A gutterdebris preclusion device as recited in claim 13, wherein the connectionportion includes a lip portion having a top portion and a connectormember biasedly opposed to one another and wherein the top portion isoperably configured to engage a top edge of a gutter lip of the gutterand the connector member is operably configured to engage a bottom edgeof a gutter lip of the gutter when the device is in use.
 17. A gutterdebris preclusion device as recited in claim 13, wherein the connectionportion includes a connecting member operably configured to engage anend of the gutter lip and a lip portion operably configured to engage agroove disposed an exterior surface of the gutter when the device is inuse.
 18. A gutter debris preclusion device as recited in claim 13,further comprising a clip operably configured to be disposable withinthe gutter lip and wherein the connection portion engages the clip whenin use.
 19. A gutter debris preclusion device as recited in claim 13,wherein the support structure is attached to the gutter lip and to thebuilding